In recovery mode, Shikhar Dhawan spends time with kids, plays the flute
As Dhawan recovers from a left shoulder injury, he speaks about the simple joys of life.
By Maleeva Rebello, ET Bureau | Updated:
ANI
While the Indian cricket team is playing a Test series in New Zealand, opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan is recovering from an injury. The 34-year-old injured his left shoulder during the home series against Australia in January.
The cricketer accepts injury as a part of being a professional sportsman. He chooses to see it as a positive. In an interview with ETPanache, Dhawan says, “While it may be a setback for some time, it is also a chance for me to recuperate and rebound with more energy. I focus on the positive aspects, on healing and staying happy. I also take the rehab sessions seriously.”
Family time
The left-handed batsman credits his three children — Rhea, Aliyah and Zoravar — and his dogs for helping him recover better. “Being a father is an absolute pleasure and the happiest experience ever,” he says. “I am a very lenient father and my children know that too. It is amazing to watch them grow and experience new things with them. And dogs are a symbol of unconditional love. I adore them, and they return this love without any expectations. This helps divert my mind from the injury.”
During his recuperation a few weeks ago, Dhawan met fellow cricketer Hardik Pandya at the NCA (National Cricket Academy) in Bengaluru. The duo posted on social media calling each other ‘rehab partners’. Pandya is recovering from a back injury.
“It was nice to meet Hardik at the rehab. We spoke about our injuries and had a few training sessions together,” Dhawan says of their meeting.
Another stressbuster i n Dhawan’s life is the flute. “I take flute classes online from my Guruji who is based in Dharwad. Music is therapy and can help you heal holistically. I play the instrument when I am stressed and even when I am happy,” he says.
Thinking positively is a big part of what Dhawan does to motivate himself. He says, “One of the ways I do this is to start my day on a good note with spiritual talks by Brahmakumari Shivani and Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev. This gives a good direction to my day and I can focus my energies on achieving what I have set out to do.”
Gabbar is glad
Dhawan is nicknamed ‘Gabbar’ by fans and the team. His handlebar moustache and overall look add to the persona. He admits that he still watches Sholay sometimes. “It is a legendary movie,” he says. Dhawan still delivers the dialogues from the film that started his association with the famous Bollywood villain. “Yes, sometimes, I do encourage the team with Sholay dialogues, like ‘Bahut yaarana lagta hai’. I used to say it more when I played Ranji. Now, the crowd calls me Gabbar and I enjoy it,” he says with a laugh.
According to news reports, Dhawan, Pandya and pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who also has been injured (hernia) will play in a Mumbai T20 tournament. Dhawan did not comment on the report, but if it is true, then Gabbar will brandish his willow soon.
The cricketer accepts injury as a part of being a professional sportsman. He chooses to see it as a positive. In an interview with ETPanache, Dhawan says, “While it may be a setback for some time, it is also a chance for me to recuperate and rebound with more energy. I focus on the positive aspects, on healing and staying happy. I also take the rehab sessions seriously.”
Family time
The left-handed batsman credits his three children — Rhea, Aliyah and Zoravar — and his dogs for helping him recover better. “Being a father is an absolute pleasure and the happiest experience ever,” he says. “I am a very lenient father and my children know that too. It is amazing to watch them grow and experience new things with them. And dogs are a symbol of unconditional love. I adore them, and they return this love without any expectations. This helps divert my mind from the injury.”
During his recuperation a few weeks ago, Dhawan met fellow cricketer Hardik Pandya at the NCA (National Cricket Academy) in Bengaluru. The duo posted on social media calling each other ‘rehab partners’. Pandya is recovering from a back injury.
“It was nice to meet Hardik at the rehab. We spoke about our injuries and had a few training sessions together,” Dhawan says of their meeting.
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Musical noteAnother stressbuster i n Dhawan’s life is the flute. “I take flute classes online from my Guruji who is based in Dharwad. Music is therapy and can help you heal holistically. I play the instrument when I am stressed and even when I am happy,” he says.
Thinking positively is a big part of what Dhawan does to motivate himself. He says, “One of the ways I do this is to start my day on a good note with spiritual talks by Brahmakumari Shivani and Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev. This gives a good direction to my day and I can focus my energies on achieving what I have set out to do.”
Gabbar is glad
Dhawan is nicknamed ‘Gabbar’ by fans and the team. His handlebar moustache and overall look add to the persona. He admits that he still watches Sholay sometimes. “It is a legendary movie,” he says. Dhawan still delivers the dialogues from the film that started his association with the famous Bollywood villain. “Yes, sometimes, I do encourage the team with Sholay dialogues, like ‘Bahut yaarana lagta hai’. I used to say it more when I played Ranji. Now, the crowd calls me Gabbar and I enjoy it,” he says with a laugh.
According to news reports, Dhawan, Pandya and pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who also has been injured (hernia) will play in a Mumbai T20 tournament. Dhawan did not comment on the report, but if it is true, then Gabbar will brandish his willow soon.
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